Cell-membrane nanodiscs
Amphiphilic polymers convert lipid bilayers into uniform disc-shaped nanoparticles for membrane-protein analysis and nanocarrier applications.
NARA INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGYLaboratory of Macromolecular Systems DesignDivision of Materials ScienceRESEARCH 03
Lipid Supramolecules and Artificial Cells
We combine self-assembling lipid bilayers with membrane-active polymers and artificial lipids to design nanoscale membrane structures and functions.
OVERVIEW
Using molecular self-organization, we extract supramolecular structures that realize biological membrane functions and develop them into artificial cell-membrane systems capable of processing information.
RESEARCH FOCUS
Research focus
Organic–inorganic hybrid cell membranes
We combine the flexibility of lipid membranes with the stability of inorganic materials to construct membranes with controllable transport and morphology.
Artificial cells and molecular information processing
We integrate recognition, transport, deformation, and other elemental functions on membranes to build molecular systems that mimic living phenomena.
METHODS
Methods supporting our research
- Molecular design of artificial lipids and amphiphilic polymers
- Preparation of capsules (liposomes) and nanodiscs
- Microscopy, spectroscopy, and thermal analysis
- Analysis of membrane permeation, fusion, and morphological changes
VISION